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DSES 2018: Take the Time to Plan for the Future!

One of the things I like most about the DSES conference is that it ‘recharges’ my batteries after spending three jam-packed days full of actionable takeaways! However, it is important to note that while it is great to re-charge your batteries by attending conferences, it is just as important to take the time during the year to implement the new ideas. One of the most significant issues we face on the dealer level is actually following through with the newly developed ideas.

Think about it, we go to the conference and have every intention of following through with the new ideas. Everything from BDC Training, Marketing, Social Media, etc. to then go back to the dealership and not taking the time to follow through with the new ideas. That said, here are some of the things to consider when making changes within your dealership remembering that change takes time!

You Cannot Change Anything By Simply Thinking About It! Where to Start? Less is More. Do Not Overwhelm Yourself With too Many Ideas.

As mentioned above making a change on the dealer level takes time, energy, and most importantly action! New ideas on how to approach your BDC can be both exciting and inspiring, but the harsh reality for many of us is that none of the ideas come to fruition. To make the changes happen, we have to take the time out of our busy schedules and realize that we are not alone in wanting to make a difference.

One of the hardest things to deal with when wanting to make a change is prioritizing which changes need to happen first. That alone can make the whole process overwhelming, and cause for you to shut down with your eyes glazed over. To avoid this approach, it is best to jot down all of the ideas you have and review how each idea affects the dealership. Understanding that any and all changes can affect the dealership. In doing so, it will make approaching the transition easier. And as mentioned above, there are others in the dealership that you might be able to work with that can make it a little less daunting to make a move forward with a new idea. I know first hand what it is like presenting an idea where everyone is excited, but no one was willing to lend a hand. It is overwhelming.

Here is an easy but effective way to manage a new idea:

Project: Outline the details of the project and what the positive impacts are - don’t be afraid to show examples of the project.

Employee Involvement: Outline the managers who are going to be involved in the project. Keeping in mind that you can sometimes use the BDC Agents or Sales Consultants to assist you! Especially if the project involves social media.

Timeline: Review the scope of the project and all of what is involved. Set a realistic expectation as to when the project will be completed. Knowing that while we want the immediate gratification for our efforts exhibited that change takes time. This can be an issue on the dealer level though when results are often expected immediately.

Task Assignment: More often than not if those working with you on the project do not have clear responsibilities than it might lead to confusion as to who is handling what on the project. This is a recipe for disaster, and to avoid this issue, it is best if each person who is working on the project has a clear understanding of what their respective role is! The less confusion, the better.

Lastly, but most importantly it is best to have a review of the project - i.e., what is working, what needs to be adjusted or changed. Perhaps the responsibilities need to be shifted. Whatever the case may be it is imperative that you address any issues immediately; otherwise all of your hard work and efforts might fall by the wayside, which can be very frustrating!

Bottom Line: Change is inevitable, and the easier we make it for us to adapt to change by being proactive versus reactive the better the results will be for the dealership. As working in a reactive setting does not afford the opportunity to grow or develop. Those who want to better themselves will not last in an environment in which they feel they are stagnant. And this is not to say that all ideas are going to work or be developed, but it is offering that it is important to encourage change.

How do you handle new ideas suggestions? What is one change that has had a positive impact on the dealership?